Ambler, Pa. (Jan. 15, 2013) – Students choose their college or university based on a number of factors. Their ability to find a meal on campus shouldn’t be one of them.

According to the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA), an estimated 1 in 131 Americans is affected by celiac disease. These individuals require a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet – including when they’re at college.

“Students are coming home on break to find they have elevated blood levels or have lost significant weight because they’re not getting the gluten-free nutrition they need,” explains Alice Bast, founder and president of NFCA. “It’s a serious threat to their health, and it’s time the schools paid attention.”